Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus (born September 23, 63 B.C., died August 19, A.D. 14) was the first emperor of the Roman Empire, which he ruled alone from January 16, 27 B.C. until his death.  He was adopted by his great-uncle Gaius Julius Caesar in 44 B.C.

     The rule of Augustus initiated an era of relative peace known as the Pax Romana, or Roman peace.  Despite continuous frontier wars the Mediterranean world remained at peace for more than two centuries.  Augustus expanded the Roman Empire, secured its boundaries with client states, and made peace with Parthia through diplomacy.